The ongoing issue of electricity outages at the ESB substation in Ballygar, which has caused power issues across Rahara, Four Roads and into Creggs, was raised at the January meeting of Athlone Municipal District.
Cllr Emer Kelly told the meeting that the substation was in urgent need of upgrading and members of the Ballinasloe Municipal District had requested a meeting with the ESB to address the issue. “We should also send a letter to the ESB to support this,” said Cllr Kelly.
“It would be preferable to have it done this side of next winter, so we won’t be weeks without power,” she said.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Domnick Connolly seconded the proposal, describing the situation as “desperate all around the area” and noting that the outages covered a huge radius.
“Hopefully this will buck up the ESB and get them moving. It’s one thing for farmers who are depending on electricity, but when you see sick children and older people depending on it and the power goes off it’s another issue. There is one family I know who have a child with medical needs and need to use a hoist to get the child in and out of bed. They are very dependent on electricity said Cllr Connolly.
Cllr Tony Ward also supported writing to the ESB on the issue.
Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
